CHAPTER NINETEEN/"In Mental Distress"

 When Jesus was 12 years old. Joseph took the family to Jerusalem as usual. It was Passover, a festive time, and large families traveled together in large caravans through the lush spring countryside. As they approached the starker landscapes near lofty Jerusalem, many would sing the familiar psalms of ascent. (Psalm 120-134) The city likely teemed with hundreds of thousands of people. Afterward, the families and their caravans began to head homeward. Joseph and Mary, perhaps with much to do, assumed that Jesus was traveling with others, maybe family members. Only after Jerusalem lay a full day behind them did they realize a terrifying truth-Jesus was missing! - LUKE 2:41-44. 

Frantically, they retraced their steps all the way to Jerusalem. Imagine how empty and strange the city seemed to them now as they paced the streets, calling out their son's name. What could the boy be? By the third day of the searching, did Joseph begin to wonder if he had failed terribly in this sacred trust from Jehovah? Finally, they went to the temple. There they searched until they came upon a chamber where many learned men, verse in the law, were gathered-with young Jesus sitting among them! Imagine the relief Joseph and Mary felt! - LUKE 2:45-46. 

Jesus was listening to the learned men and eagerly asking questions. The men were amazed at the child's understanding and his answers. Mary and Joseph, though, were astounded. In the Bible record, Joseph is silent. But Mary's words speak eloquently for both of them: "Child, why did you treat us this way? Here your father and I in mental distress have been looking for you." - LUKE 2:47, 48. 

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